For about a month, all the mass media, including television, weeklies, newspapers, and some online news sites, reported the story of the "broken man".

It can be said that the "fugitives" are a threat to Japanese society as a whole. I don't think there's anything I can do about it~\"

"However, even I can understand that this frequency and content is not normal. We don't have any fond memories of the "Ravage man". On the contrary, I only remember the bad things. \"

Hearing Lilan's voice answering Streya's opinion, Kazuto said to Naoba while recalling the "escapee" just now in his mind.

"Well, the 'fugitives' report has reached the point of incoherence."

"Yes. I think it's really confusing. For those of us who know the truth. ”

According to Ms. Alice, this happened ten years ago, but it could have been worse than that. \"

The show just now was about the "Broken Man", but the problem was the content.

The real identity of the "fugitive" is a Japanese cyber terrorist, who has been a member of various foreign anti-social organizations, terrorist organizations, and large extremist organizations in the past, and has carried out many cyber terrorist activities. , and his goal is not just to destroy Japan, but to destroy the world itself. It's a shocking story for Kazu, who knows the identity, and it seems to be some kind of mistake.

Yuichi is right that the "fugitive" is a cyberterrorist of Japanese nationality. Say it as if it's true.

When Kazuto changes the channel, he realizes that both Naoba and Lilan have asked him to change the channel because it's too bad.

The true identity of the "Fugitive" is Nobuyuki Sugo, the former captain of Lector. He was killed at SAo, and now another "fugitive" is on the move. True, he is a Japanese cyber terrorist, but when he spits out everything, he does not say that he is associated with a foreign cyber terrorist organization. \"

"Where did you get this information?

"That shouldn't have happened." First of all, although the mass media reports on the "Runners of the Goal" every day, they do not know what the "Runners of the Door" are all about, and what the "Runners of the Door" used to be. "-and-Run man" is a work by Rector. As for the fact that he is researcher Nobuyuki Sugo, this fact has not even been reported and has not been confirmed.

Most importantly, he never mentioned the name of Hannibal, the master of the "fugitives". As soon as the words fell, Kazuren denied his words in his heart, but the next moment, he heard a voice from the virtual world on the other end of the smartphone.

\"Huh!? That's it!? \"

\"Mu, what's going on, Yui\"

"Why are you suddenly shouting loudly?"

Yui's voice can be heard from the speaker of the smartphone. Kazuto and Naoba both noticed the tone full of surprise.

\"Oh, hey, Yui. What happened? What happened? \"

"Why, I seem to be shouting loudly."

\"Sister, Streya, please take this\"

As soon as Yui's voice fell, the sound of the virtual world stopped. The sudden silence made Kazuto and Naoba tilt their heads, and I was taken aback.

\"Oh, hey, Yui, what did you find? \"

\"Daddy. I couldn't help but be curious about the source of the previous "rampaging man", so I searched the Internet for it. Then I understood. The previous sources of information were:

\"Huh? Wait a minute, Yui, that's a TV news report, right? The news program of the TV station reports on what the people of the TV station learned through interviews, right? \"

It should be, but the main source of stories about the true identity of the "fugitives" in previous news programs was a predictive article on a blog run by an individual. \"

And people can't believe their ears. Originally, the news media, also known as the mass media, collected all kinds of information on their own, but they should not pick up and report on unworthy personal blogs that are full of lies or fall on the Internet. Believe. It is common to use reliable information gathered by journalists.

"Wait, Yui. What does that mean? What do you mean when you say that the source of current news is a personal blog? ”

That's what it means. When I was looking up information on the Internet about current news programs, I posted a letter of protest on SNS of the tweet type, in which it was written: "The story of the mass media using the website I manage without permission. "I have a user.

It shows up there and when I go to that link, there is an article that has exactly the same content as the news program. The letter of protest has now been forwarded tens of thousands of times. ”

Yui explained things in a voice mixed with surprise, as if she couldn't believe what was happening in front of her. The content seems so surreal that one almost wonders if this is happening in another world, the ALo world.

However, as creator Alice has said repeatedly, Yui doesn't lie, and Kazuto, who has been with Yui since SAo, understands this perfectly.

"What Yui is saying now must be the truth."

"No, but what about the date and time I posted? If it's later than the current show, then it's possible that I'm writing now"

"That article was written three months ago. I think the news program just now quoted this information and put this news together, but]

"I'm sure it's written there"

"Yes. All predictions come from the author. The news program reported as if it were true

Moreover, it seems that not only the current news programs, but also the news programs of other stations are reporting similar things.

Kazuto blinked while turning his face to Naoba in front of him. Similarly, Naoba constantly blinks, staring at the tools that connect him to the virtual world. The story was so incredible I was stunned.

Since the emergence of the "fugitives", there have been many bloggers writing articles discussing their identity and purpose. If you really go to a search engine and search for the real identity of "broken man", you will find more than 100 blogs.

However, the stories written there about the "Broken Man" are basically the predictions and speculations of the people who wrote the article, and the identity of the "Broken Man" has been completely determined, and there is no truth to speak of.

As proof, there is no information that Hannibal was creating the "Runaways", when in fact, the previous "Runaways" were Sugo of Lake, and that Sugo didn't even have anything dead in SAo.

"So, that man's protest, the press"

"If you were calm about something like this, you probably wouldn't care about something like that. In fact, the news program was talking about it just now, as if it was the information they were getting. I didn't say a word and didn't mention that this was copied from my personal website without permission. You clearly despise the Internet. \"

The report just now seems to give the impression that the "fugitives" are an absolutely evil thing, but now it is impossible to lie, say ridiculous things, or use the information of netizens without permission. Even so, it looks like he wants to manipulate the impression that the "fugitives" are absolutely evil.

"I know [the Broken Man] is weird, but"

After hearing the voice of Lilan, who was surprised to learn the truth, and the voice of Streya, who seemed uneasy, and the voice of the dead "fugitive" - Shinyuki Sugo immediately resurrected in people's minds.

- At the time of this crack, I was convicted of obstruction of business such as destroying computers, but unfortunately, no one treated me as a criminal. On the contrary, people shouted at me: "Thank you, wreck", "Wreck, god of justice, down with the rotten media and politicians", "Long live the wreck". Buddy. "Raise and praise. Whatever I do, most people don't oppose me.

\"yes, I'm already a god—\"

"The act of a 'hit-and-run' is a crime." That is why the "runaway" who repeats this phrase is a violent criminal.

However, such "escapees" were not criticized, but were praised like gods worshipped in religion. This shouldn't happen, and this wind of praise for Loveman must be broken. In an era when the "Wanderer" was highly praised, this was an anomaly.

However, publishing false reports is therefore absolutely not okay, in fact it is the worst thing to do. To defeat terrorists is not an excuse to spread lies throughout the country.

But what news programs are doing now is taking lies as facts and lynching "hit-and-runs" outright.

A news organization was attacked by "fugitives" who questioned its reporting stance.

Instead of correcting their way of reporting, they chose to take revenge on the "fugitives" by reporting lies. We will return to those who destroyed us at all costs. I think you think so too.

And people want to believe that the story takes place in a different country or world. I'd like to think that this is happening in a game with a rich setting created by a unique game designer like Akihiko Kayaba - sorry for Lilan. But no matter how hard you try to believe it, no matter how much you wish for it, it won't happen.

Kazuto was overwhelmed by this and asked Yui softly.

"Yui, what do you think will happen after that?"

The number of forwards has reached 100,000 and spread throughout the network. And the media seems to completely ignore the protests of this user, the opinions and protests of other Internet users.

"There's no way Hannibal missed this [escapee]." Tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, in the morning, noon, and evening drama, I think the retaliatory attack of the "fugitives" will begin. ”

"The media and TV stations never dreamed that something like this would happen. Hannibal is the subject of the "broken people", and he can create as many "broken people" as he wants. For the most part, judging by the current situation, Hannibal must be in a state of so-called ab collapse.

After Yui's guess, Lilan said. The media, which lynched the wrecked man, believed that the wrecked man was to blame for everything and was unaware of Hannibal's existence. Hannibal should also be glad that this happened. Today, the ignorant mass media is also stupidly dancing in the palm of your hand.

The media is now a swordsman, wielding a giant sword called Influence. And the swordsman is challenging a monster called the "Broken Runaway", which is manipulated by an invisible line and a hand that likes to aim at the swordsman.

I don't know how many times the monster is defeated, it will be invulnerable, resurrected, and it is also controlled by the same invisible threads and hands as the monster, and they fight while cutting down houses and people with their giant swords, yes - I don't know that the reason why people are terrified is because of the way they fight, they don't know which monster is at all, but they are dedicated to killing the immortal monster.

"How can you not say it's a farce?"

"Kirito"

"Oh, I see. Everyone is being danced by Hannibal. Hurry up and Hannibal must be stopped. ”

Hearing Streya's words, he whispered to the man, and then turned to the TV again. In the anime that is being broadcast, the characters are still engaged in fierce battles, but Kazuto thinks that this is the current state of the "fugitives" and the media.

A humorous puppet show about a goofy swordsman who thinks he is a god worshiped by the masses and continues to challenge the immortal monsters that appear in the city in an annoying fighting style that defies the destruction of the surrounding environment.

That's the current TV news program that Hannibal is dancing.

"Can I really do my thing first?

"It doesn't matter. It takes me a long time to buy something, and most importantly, I can enjoy it later. So let's deal with people first. \"

Inside the Yamanote Line train at 10:15 a.m. on Sunday

Kazuto, who had a date with Shino, is now on the train with Shino.

When I woke up in the morning, I hurriedly finished breakfast with Naoha, got dressed, went out of the house, boarded a train through several stations, and went to the apartment where Shino lived to pick up Shino. The bus would take him directly to his apartment, but Kazuto Shino ended up joining him at the bus stop.

When I heard about it at the time, Shino said that she was going to pick up people too. That's true, but I don't have to spend more time to spend a little more time with Shino. , so I'm happy at the same time.

Then the two of us – Shino decided to go back – boarded a train bound for Tokyo, and upon arrival at Ikebukuro Station, we switched to the Yamanote Line heading to Akihabara.

On weekdays, trains on the Yamanote Line are packed with a large number of passengers commuting to or from school, but there are not as many passengers on Sunday mornings. If anything, it's students in casual attire, parents and children, couples, and other passengers who seem to be riding the train on Sunday.

There are a few countable of customers seated than standing. Sitting among the guests was Kazuto and Shino.

"By the way, with people, is there any difference in what you are wearing today?" \"

“？”

"You see, you usually dress sloppily"

"Aren't you unkempt? Ah, well, by the way, you've always been unkempt, and that's okay. ”

Shino, who was sitting next to him, asked Kazuto to look at his body. When Kazuren is at home, they tend to wear a black T-shirt with a slightly twisted neckline and black pants, which is very untidy, which is what Kazuto usually wears. Yes, I also wear almost the same full outfit when I go shopping.

However, ever since I started dating Shino, Kazuto felt that I should wear better clothes when I went out with Shino, so I didn't go out like that anymore.

Kazuto is now sitting next to Shiina, wearing a black Chester coat over a white long-sleeved T-shirt and black jeans. That's what I wore on my last date.

Shino and Kazuto stand together, and Kazuto is dressed in formal clothes, and it doesn't look like the usual Kazuto.

"You seem like you've only been out like this a long time ago?"

"yes, but my mind changed a little. Well, when I go out with you, I want to wear beautiful clothes. ”

"Uh, this is for me."

Shino looked dazed. Obviously, she doesn't think poetry is the reason to dress up with people.

"Yes.

"I don't think I hate it, but, thank you. You're dressed beautifully. ”

Shino looked away after speaking. Shino, who asked about the costume, was wearing a white hooded jacket with a green dress, which was very attractive.

Because I've seen Shina's loungewear several times, and people thought she would wear similar clothes, but Shino dressed like she was dating. I'm also happy when I find things coming together.

\"Since I'm enjoying my date with Shino, I can't help but look forward to it. \"

"And it looks like you carry it with you, a charm."

"Ah, no matter what happens, I can't get rid of it."

And said as he stared at his right hand. There was a silver bracelet that Shino had given her as a souvenir of her father, and it had a sparkling glow that made it hard to believe that it was made more than ten years ago.

Inhibition and the amulet of seizures after the person absorbs the poem is the memory. That's a silver bracelet. Because of this, he can enjoy the date with Shino from the bottom of his heart. On the contrary, I couldn't do without it, so I wore it tightly before I went out.

"With this, I don't have to worry about anything. I really can't stand Shino anymore. \"

"Looking up, but to be honest, I didn't expect it to come this far, but I was more worried about whether it would go well."

"Eh, is that so?"

"yes, I've been worried for a long time."

To be honest, when Shino proposed a way to prevent seizures and gave me this amulet, I had no idea that seizures would stop so often, and even I didn't expect it. I thought that Shino was confident because it was going well, but it didn't seem to be the case.

However, things can go so smoothly thanks to Shino. As a result of Shiina's wish, Shina's amulet worked to suppress her seizures. - And people can't help but think so.

Thinking so, Kazuto turned to face Shino.

\"Thank you Shino. Shino made a wish, so it went well. So, I thank you again, Shino. Thank you. \"

Shino was stunned for a moment when I asked Shino to speak her inner thoughts, but she immediately flushed pink on her cheeks and smiled.

"I'm glad everything went well. You're welcome, and people. Let's enjoy today. \"

Hearing Shino's words, Kazuto was about to smile in the same way, when the siren characteristic of the Yamanote Line sounded, announcing that they were about to arrive in Akihabara.

Hearing this, Kazuto wanted to hold hands with Shino, but he didn't do it, but stood up with Shino. After more than ten seconds, the train stopped. When the doors opened, I got out of the car with the other passengers.

As you ascend the escalator from the station platform, you'll see a huge poster depicting the characters and titles of the new late-night animation starting in April. In addition, you can check not only one place, but also all parts of the station. It's like a station in Akihabara, the capital of anime.

"As always, it's all anime stuff."

"Yes, Akihabara was originally an electric town with countless electrical stores, but since 20 years ago, there have been more and more shops for anime goods, and it has become a city of anime and electrical appliances. \"

"From an electrical town to an anime town.

"However, despite being called Anime City, there are still many electronics stores.

Kazuto turned to Shino while casually telling the history of Akihabara. Even if you enter Akihabara Station, you can't count the number of people who come and go, and you form a crowd that Shino doesn't like. Kazuto and Shino are getting through the difficulties, but I don't know if Shino will be okay.

"Shiina, are you really okay?

"Well, I don't feel good, but it's not a big deal, and I'm with you, so it's okay, don't worry."

"That's fine, but I'll have to be careful, don't get separated."

After confirming Shino's nod, Kazuto turned his gaze forward again and walked forward. Maybe it's because on the morning of the holiday, the players who gathered on the ALo Kuto Line flowed like a river around Akihabara Station.

ALo's Sky Capital Line will probably also be crowded with players at this time. Kazuto Shino continued to move forward, riding the river that people had created, and finally arrived in Akihabara. Left the station.

Outside the exit of Akihabara Station, there are countless huge buildings lined up like trees with leaf-like advertisements on them, and many people are rushing to their destinations, making it a spectacular sight.

And even if you don't listen closely, you can hear the sound of people talking, the sound of cars coming and going, the sound of trains passing over the iron bridge, almost like the chirping of birds. The forest of concrete, the sounds of all kinds of things, and the people coming and going. That's Akihabara.

It is a very familiar sight to the people who have been here for many years.

\"Now that you've arrived in Akihabara, where is your destination? \"

"I have a media store that I use all the time. I'll go there and see if they have one. Well, I want a keyboard, so I don't think they sell it. ”

"Then you go there first. And then"

And then the person realized one thing. When Shino asked me out on a date, she said she wanted clothes. There are also large shopping malls in Akihabara, so you can buy clothes, but shopping malls and clothing stores in Akihabara don't have a good selection of clothes, so I think it's better to buy "somewhere else." Maei said.

If this story is true, then it would be better to wait for Shino's affairs to be done and go somewhere else.

\"Hey Shino\"

"Yes?"

"You said you wanted clothes today."

"yes. That's what you said? ”

So Kazuto told Shino what he heard from Midori that day. After the story was told, Shino replied with a somewhat surprised expression.

"Isn't this clothing store stocked?"

"That's what my mom said. So, when I was done with things, I wanted to leave Akihabara and go somewhere else, but I didn't know. ”

"Then it might be better to go there. But if you're not here, where are you going? There are countless clothing stores in Tokyo. ”

Hearing this, he opened the memory drawer. I don't remember how long ago it was, but when Midori talked about the clothing stores in Akihabara, she said that there are many clothing stores in the huge shopping mall in Odaiba, and there is a wide range of clothing stores. If you're there, there are plenty of restaurants, so it's noon.

There are also quite a few cafes, so it is not a problem to take a break.

On top of that, it's also a famous date spot for vacation couples. It would be the best place to go.

"How about shopping malls in Odaiba? There are a lot of clothing stores out there, and the selection of clothes seems to be good. ”

I see. So, after I finished buying the computer parts of Kazuto, I went to Odaiba. May I? \"

"If the princess says it's fine."

"Alright, then let's go and finish your business first."

Kazuto nodded to the smiling Shiina, and began to walk. Usually, couples walk hand in hand and arm in arm when they walk around town, and if you look around, you will find quite a few couples doing this.

However, of course they wanted to do something like that, but Kazuto and Shino decided that they only wanted to do it when there was no one around, and only when they were really lonely, even if the people around them were like that. Didn't try to do anything, just lined up at the same pace, walking while talking friendly.

While wandering around the city like this, Kazuto remembered something unique to Akihabara and asked Shino.

\"Then again, Shino, have you ever eaten honey toes? \"

“hanito？ I don't know if it's a foreign dish. ”

"Oh, I see. Cooking is more like a sweet tooth. I cut a whole loaf of bread, put a small piece of honey in it, baked it, and topped it with vanilla ice cream. Don't you know? ”

"I don't know. Before I became friends with Asuna, I had never had an interest in sweets. \"

Kazuto stared at the silver bracelet on his right hand, recalling Shino's memories in his mind. Indeed, since that incident, Shino has stopped showing interest in what girls are interested in, and she hasn't even tried candy. Finally when Asuna and Lizzebet really became friends in SAo.

Although it was late, until that moment came, Shino could be said to be a girl who had been staying away from girly things. Just as I was thinking this, Shino's voice rang out.

"Oh wait, I've eaten it before!"

"Eh, is that so?"

\"yes. I used to go to a restaurant with that name with Airi-sensei. At that time, Aisato-sensei asked for it, and we shared it together. I think it was Akihabara at the time. \"

Shino just said something that he might not have thought of, and made an expression that he had touched something unpleasant.

\"And people, do you want to eat it? \"

Hearing this, Kazuto remembered something called "hanito". As I said before, honeyto is a sweet treat that consists of cutting a whole loaf of bread, cutting it into small cubes, filling it with honey-soaked bread, baking it, and topping it with vanilla ice cream. If you come! I used to go to that store with Kaimu Kaimu, and when I ate them one by one, it was too big, and I was completely full and couldn't move.

After that, I couldn't eat for a while, and I wasn't hungry at night. Naoba and Midori said that they wanted to eat Hanito as soon as they talked about it, but Kazuto didn't recommend ordering each one at all. I definitely wouldn't recommend Naoba and Midori, nor would I recommend Asuna, Rika, Keiko, Kotone \/Filia. - Shino seems to understand this as well.

"No, I don't want to eat it. It's too big, that. ”

\"That's because I tried to eat one myself. Eat half of it. I don't know if it's going to be too sweet, though. Airi-sensei said it was delicious, but I gave up. \"

"Airi-sensei is a smart researcher, so sweet things are delicious.

"Let's do it. But, and people. \"

"Yes?"

"Anyway, I'm really happy."

Because Shino said it so suddenly, Kazuto was a little surprised, and focused his attention on Shino. Shino lowered her head slightly and continued.

"When I found out that I was having a seizure, I thought I wouldn't be able to eat delicious food with him like I did at SAo. Being able to walk with people, go shopping with people, and eat delicious food with people really makes me happy. ”

When I found out I was having a seizure, I had the same thoughts as Shino. No, I thought many times about resisting this attack and tried to do it, but it didn't work, and my heart was about to break because I couldn't do it anymore.

However, thanks to being able to suppress this seizure, I was able to enjoy everything I had with Shino again. In this regard, it is impossible to be unhappy with people.

\"yes. From now on, you can enjoy everything as before. We want to enjoy all kinds of things together, go to all kinds of places, and eat all kinds of delicious things, Shino. \"

“... Yes"

As he spoke, he looked at people and Shino and smiled. At this time, it was as if the people around them finally knew that they were a couple, but at this time, Kazuto realized something and shouted to Shino again.

\"Then again, Shino\"

“？”

"I have something to say, can I say it?"

"Please?"

"Destination has passed"

“！？”

Kazuto's destination is a large media store near Akihabara Station. It's only a few steps away from Akihabara Station, but Kazuto has already passed by the store and is talking to Shino with full attention. To get there, you have to walk straight back the way you came.

"Oh, dear, if you're passing through, why don't you say you're passing through?"

"I—I'm sorry. It's so funny to talk that I'm distracted\"

"Exactly, how long will it take us to get back?"

"I think it's about three minutes to walk from here, and I've already done quite a bit."

"I can't help it, then let's go back quickly, don't pass me when we talk this time."

"I'll be careful"

With that, the two turned around and walked back the way they came. The huge media store that Kazuto is aiming at is a large tree next to the Akihabara building, a tree with leaves, and a forest of grass called concrete.

Kazuto has been using that store for a long time, where he buys most of the parts for his homemade computer, that's where he bought Nerve Gear and SAo, where he buys Amusphere and ALo, which he now uses. It is.

Therefore, Kazuto can be said to be a regular customer of that store, and although he never passed by when he went there, he realized again that the conversation with Shino was interesting enough when passing by such a store.

Trying not to be distracted by such thoughts, he continued to move forward while thinking about people, blending in with passers-by, and soon arrived at his destination, a huge media store. Shino, who probably didn't know what kind of place the destination of the people was, was surprised by the huge and long building enshrined in front of him.

"That's a big place."

"Yes, when I buy computers, electrical appliances and other things, I choose here. I bought the Amusphere here, and by the way, my Nerve Gear was also bought here. ”

"Such a big place, I missed it"

"There's no way around it. After all, it's fun to chat with Shino. Well, it's about passing through the destination. \"

Shino's eyes widened. When Shino was a little surprised by this look, she saw that her cheeks were gradually dyed with cherry blossoms, and when she confirmed this, the corners of Shiina's mouth pursed slightly.

"If that's the reason, I can't help but forgive you. I just thought it would be fun to talk to you. ”

"Sorry. Shall we go inside? \"

After seeing Shiina's nod, Kazuto followed Shiina's steps and walked under the tree of the huge media store, where he was a regular customer.

As soon as you enter the media store, you will be greeted by a sales area for mobile phones and smartphones. There are many mobile phones and smartphones lined up on the table, and on the face-to-face table against the wall, you can see customers who may want to renew their smartphone contracts or sign new ones. Face the figure of its employees.

Kazuto walked side by side with Shino, squinting at the people, and finally took the escalator to the second floor, just like when he was at Akihabara Station. The second floor is the destination of Kazuhito, and there are computers and peripheral parts that are often used by Kazuto.

Desktop computers and laptops of various colors and sizes are lined up on the same table as the smartphone counter, but the dimensions are completely different, and the images are displayed on the display as if they were there. If this multimedia store is compared to a tree, then computers and appliances are like insects living in the trunk of a tree.

Shino was bathed in the light of the insects and whispered to Kazuto.

"You have a wide variety of appliances."

"Ah, after all, it's the largest media store in Akihabara, an electric town, and if you don't have such a rich collection of goods, you lose your name. Shino, it's your first time in a place like this. \"

"Yes, I don't have such a big electronics store in my hometown, and I haven't been out much since I came to Tokyo, so this is the first time I've been in a place like this."

"Well, I think it's going to be a good experience."

As he spoke, he approached a nearby shelf. The keyboards lined up on the shelves are exactly what the people want to buy. The desktop computers and laptops on this floor come in various colors like blue, light blue, white, etc., but the keyboard that doesn't have anything connected to it is only black and white.

Kazuto put his hand on his chin and looked intently at one of them.

"Well, it's something I've been using. I'll deliver it to my house. ”

"Even if it's in a box, it's big enough to take home, right?"

"It's hard enough to bring something this big today, and I feel like I'll have to bring more in the future."

And people in the stands lined with keyboards turned to face Shino. Around the same time, Shiina's eyes widened again.

"Uh, is it about my luggage?"

"yes, if you buy some clothes, it will get heavy, and I don't want you to lift heavy things. So, Your Highness Princess, when you buy clothes, leave them to me. ”

Before, when we talked about a date with Shino, Midori said, "If you bought something heavy on a date, bring it with you." Midori says people who do this make them feel very happy and tend to think of themselves as reliable. When I heard about it, I thought I'd do it on my next date, so I took action.

Well, it's not Midori who said that, it's because I don't want Shino to carry something heavy.

Hearing Kazuto say this, Shino's face showed a surprised expression again.

"Are you alright? I'll take care of the luggage, so you don't have to buy anything."

Even if I think back to Shino's memories in my head, I can't find Shino's fashion purchase. She always wears the same clothes, and only when she goes out is a little sloppy.

Although Asuna and Rika started going to town, she still didn't actively try to do so. According to Midori, "even though I'm old enough to dress up." ”

"I think Shino should go shopping once in a while.

Kazuto turned around and asked Shino to look down again. When he looked up, a smile appeared on his face that seemed to be mixed with regret and happiness.

"Okay, then I'll rely on you."

"Please help me choose"

After sharing each other's sense of trust and hope for each other's trust, Kazuto smiled and beckoned the nearby staff to go to the cash register to buy the items they decided to buy. The process of home delivery. Proceed with the procedure.

The two then descended the escalator and descended to the floor where the insects glowed, eventually leaving the multimedia store. That's all I wanted to do, I didn't want to do anything else, and my goal was to go to Odaiba, so there was no need to stay long.

Then, as he passed the entrance of the media store and walked out, he shouted to Shino next to him.

"So, we're heading to our second destination, are you ready?"

"yes, but I don't know what kind of place it is. You've never been to Odaiba, have you? \"

"Probably.

"Let's do it. It's a bit exciting, like you're challenging a new dungeon. ”

"Hahaha, the shopping mall in Odaiba is like that. So, let's go to the dungeon and conquer the real-world dungeon—\"

At that moment, he spoke to someone, and he felt like he was challenging the newly discovered maze in ALo. From the front of Kazuto, behind Shino, there was a sound mixed with human voices, cars, and trains.

"Teacher, this can't be! I can't allow that to happen! ”

"If the other party is a blogger here, you can report it, but it's too big, and no one listens to it now."

"There's something you can't do!"

"Well, they're finally starting to do terrible things. It's over that they don't listen to them, because they are clearly not allowed to do things. ”

The voice of a young but older woman, and the voice of a young man who looks about the same age as us. The male voice sounds familiar, but I've heard the female voice many times.

Shino reacted involuntarily to the voice, and unconsciously, both of them faced the direction from which the voice came.

"Among the people who came and went, two people were talking and walking towards us." A woman with long black hair, a red headband, and a large chest wears black jeans, a light green vertical striped sweater, and a white jacket. Carrying a black women's bag on her shoulder.

Next to him was a boy wearing a white nylon hoodie and jeans, a backpack over his shoulders, and a black baseball cap. Maybe it's because the distance is not far, so the two are thinner than usual, and from the dark shadow in the corner of their eyes, they know that they are high school students like themselves, but the two are more concerned about boys. The woman, calling his name at the same time.

\"Ah, Teacher Alice!? \"

Just after this voice sounded in the midst of the hustle and bustle, the woman and the boy looked at Kazuto Shino almost at the same time, and both of them showed the same look of surprise on their faces.

\"Shino and Kazuto-san! \"

"Mr. Airie!" ”

\"Isn't it Kazuto-kun and Shino! \"

A date with a person and Shino. When the first destination, Akihabara, was done, the man disappeared into the crowd and walked towards them. This person is none other than Serizawa Alice, who has been a collaborator since the time of SAo, a companion who was captured, and even Shino's benefactor.

Alice was also taken aback when she saw Kazuto Shino, and rushed over with the boy next to her, and suddenly narrowed the distance. When Alice and the boy come to a distance where they can talk without being distracted by the crowd, Shino opens her mouth.

\"Teacher Alice, why? Why are you here? \"

He alternately looked at Shino with a confused face and Alice with a surprised face. According to what I heard from Shino before, Alice stopped Shiina's and Spiegel's treatment in order to continue her previous AI research and game development work, quit her job as a psychiatrist, and went to a game company, as it should be.

When I asked Alice how she was when she successfully logged into ALo, she told me it was true. He said he wanted me to wait for him to come.

Alice, who should have been difficult to see, appeared in Akihabara, right in front of us. For a long time, she thought it was impossible to meet Alice in the real world, so it was only natural that Shino was surprised. Hearing Shino's inquiry, Alice changed from a surprised expression to a slightly happy one.

"Hey guys. I didn't expect to see you here. ”

"Airi-sensei, are you here? You can meet in ALo, but you can't in real life."

"It's too long to say in detail, so I can't say it here. Well, the development has evolved to the point where you can walk around the city in the real world. That's why I came to Akihabara. Don't\"Okay, you guys. I'm really surprised to see you guys. ”

Alice used to be busy with her own games and didn't log in to ALo very often. As a result, it is difficult to see Alice even in ALo, but recently the frequency of logins has increased due to the development calming down. Now, Airi/Alice often goes to Svart Alfheim on vacation, and we can strategize together.

When she realizes that Alice in the real world has so much leeway, Shino's face shows a relaxed expression.

"yes, I thought I might never see you again"

\"I didn't say that. But Shino, I'm glad to have known you so early. \"

"Yes"

When Shino nodded happily, Alice smiled equally happily. Judging by her expression, Kazuto knew that Alice was genuinely happy to meet Shino. Looking at the two of them, he was about to talk, but the strange young man who had been watching the two of them spoke.

"Airi-sensei, are these two people!"

\"Yes, Kyoji, Kyoji. These two are my patients, just like you. \"

Hearing this, Kazuto and Shino turned their gaze to the young man. A brown-haired boy wearing a white hoodie and jeans, a black baseball cap, and a bag on his shoulder. Perhaps because of his clothing, he looked like a junior high school student, but his rather thin physique and shadows at the corners of his eyes indicated that he was not a junior high school student.

Judging by the way Alice and herself speak, the boy was clearly Alice's patient, and they also knew Kazuto Shino, but the two of them had never met the boy. No, Alice originally worked in a fairly large hospital in Tokyo, and she was a well-known psychiatrist in the country, so there were many patients like Shino. However, even so, patients treated with Alice should know about other patients, so they should be neighbors and friends.

The boy may also be one of Alice's patients, but he is not neighbors with Shino, and they are not in the same school. However, just as Kazuto narrowed his eyes and thought about who the young man he knew, Shino suddenly made a loud noise.

"Ah, is it you!"

"Uh, do you know Shino? \"

When Shino nodded, Alice smiled and the boy straightened up. Just as the conversation began to lean more and more towards the people, Alice said.

\"I'm going to introduce you to Kazuto-kun and Shino.\ This child, like you, is my patient. Kyoji-kun Shinkawa. \"

"I received a letter from Sensei Airi. It's a pleasure to meet you, Kiritani-san and Asada-san. ”

The boy named Kyoji Shinkawa lowered his head and said. This scene seems familiar, but I can't remember it with people. First of all, I remember hearing Kyoji's voice somewhere a lot, and I also feel like I see this atmosphere a lot. However, no matter how he thought about it, he couldn't figure out what it was, and the eyebrows of the man were raised even more, but Shino gave the answer.

"And the man, Spiegel, the man. \"

Hearing Shino's words, he was taken aback, but in less than two seconds, he felt a flash of light in his head. Familiar sounds and familiar atmosphere. It belongs to Spriggan Spiegel and was brought by Ellie/Alice at a party celebrating the SAo cleanup.

And now, in Alice's real world, - to be precise - in her true form, next to Alice, who knows their names, there is a boy named Kyoji Shinkawa, who has the same voice and atmosphere as Spiegel. How can we not call it Speigel reality?

"Spiegel!? Is Spiegel you!? ”

\"That's right. Kirito, you've finally noticed. \"

"Yes, it's Spiegel"

Ever since he met Spiegel and heard that he was also Alice's patient, Kazuto has always wondered what Spiegel would be like in the real world. Spiegel himself is a player with a high level and knowledge, so it is also accompanied by people imagining reality, but this is the image and content of Spiegel, and Kyoji's appearance is somewhat close.

At the same time, I also learned that Spiegel's story about his avatar Spiegel being slightly taller is true.

"You guys, if you can meet like this, you've had an unexpected encounter so far, haven't you?"

"I don't know what an ALo player looks like, though. However, to be able to meet like this shows that our relationship between Mr. Asada and Mr. Kiritani is surprisingly close. \"

It's true that a student like Seiji hasn't traveled all the way here, and it doesn't look like he's traveled a long way. On top of that, he's been to the hospital where Airi works, so it's safe to assume that he lives in Tokyo or nearby.

\"That's right. By the way, is it Shinkawa? Do you see Airi Sensei often? Eri-sensei doesn't answer the phone or take emails, so we can't get in touch at all. \"

When complaining to someone, Kyoji and Airi answered. Alice said that she had contacted Kyoji the day before to see if she could meet him and take a walk around the city. It seems to have been moved

Shino, who accepted the explanation, whispered with a little sadness on her face.

\"Did you promise to see Shinkawa-kun?" \"

\"Ahh Since I have time in the real world, I'll start with Gong Erjun. \"

You don't have to look for Shina's memories to know how much Shino loves Alice.

In addition, Shiinaa said that she wanted to meet Alice in the real world and not in ALo, which she often does, both in real life and in ALo. Although it was a coincidence, I was very happy to meet Alice like this, but when I heard that Alice chose Kyoji first, I couldn't help but think that if I had time in the real world, I would wish he was the first. I don't think I can stay.

While thinking so, he alternated between Shino and Alice, but it didn't take long for Alice to look at Shino and Kazuto and speak.

"By the way, you're dating, aren't you?"

"Uh, do you understand?"

\"I understand. Because Kazuto-kun and Shino are always dressed like you can't see them. No matter how you look, your boyfriend and girlfriend are what they wear on dates. \"

After leaving SAo, I heard that Alice will be 27 years old this year. At the age of 27, you can know what a person will do in the future or what kind of life she will usually lead just by looking at her appearance, but there is nothing wrong with Airi's words. seemingly

\"Then we'll interrupt your appointment. Gong Erjun, you're probably too hasty here, aren't you? You know very well that it's not good to get in the way of the two of you. \"

\"yes. Asada and Kiritani, sorry to bother you. I wish you all a great time together. \"

"I see, it's time to spend with you again, and that's it for today. So be it. \"

After saying that, Alice and Kyoji walked into the crowd side by side. And the relationship between people and Shiina, especially Shino so far, is thought to be something that only Alice can do, and Alice knows it well. ta。 When he turned around, Shino grabbed Kazuto's arms tightly with both hands and made a pleading expression.

"It's a long-awaited date with someone, but it's a date, but"

\"It's a date that I proposed myself, and today I want to be with someone forever, and I want to go on a date. \"But after all, I want to be with Alice, I want to spend time with Alice - that's what Shino is trying to say.

Alice says she can set aside time in the real world, and in fact she's in town like that, but because of Alice's work, it's not at all clear when the next time Alice will be coming will come, most likely a year from now. Like others, she always wanted to see her, but she couldn't see her.

If it's a date with Shina, she can do it at any time during the holidays, but for Shina, spending time with Alice is much more difficult. Here, Shino's wish should come true.

After sorting out his thoughts, Kazuto nodded to Shiina, and shouted to Alice and Kyoji who were about to disappear into the crowd.

"Mr. Airi!"

The voice of Kazuren echoed through the crowd, and Alice and Kyoji turned around. At this time, Kazuto still took Shino's hand and approached Alice and Kyoji.

"Airi-sensei, can we be together?"

"Uh, what are you talking about? Aren't you guys dating? What a precious time, isn't it? ”

"Shiina, I can meet at any time. And you can have as many appointments as you want. However, Shino and Airi-sensei don't meet so easily, and they can't even spend time together. So, Airi-sensei, if it's only today, can you spend it with Shino? Shino always said that she wanted to spend time with her teacher. That's why "

When I told Alice what I thought and how Shino felt, Alice looked a little surprised. Alice, who usually speaks, turns her gaze to Kazuto, Shino, Kyoji, and then to Shino, and remains silent.

This silence must be rare, and when Kyoji turned to Alice and called out "Sensei", Alice lowered her head and smiled for a moment before looking up.

\"I thought it would be a terrible thing to disturb the world of two people, but after talking so much to Renjun and Shino asking so many words, there was no way. I'm just wandering around the streets\"".

"So..."

Hearing Shino's words, Airi smiled lightly and then spoke again.

\"I'll come with you. Kyoji, I want to do it too, but I don't know. \"

"It doesn't matter. I was going to be with Airi-sensei today, and it's not uncommon for Asada-san and Kiritani-san to be together outside of ALo. \"

After getting permission from Kyoji next to her, Alice nodded and faced Kazuto Shino again.

\"But, and Ren-kun and Shino. As long as we're here, can you guarantee that we won't develop a world covered in sugar? Even if we are together, there is no need to be rejected. \"

In addition to Shino, Kazuto is also confident that he can do it.

When I'm alone with Shino, I tend to have conversations and communicate like lovers, but when I'm surrounded by people, or when I'm with other friends, I decide not to. Yes, I was careful. So, when Alice and Kyoji are together, she won't let them go, and Shino will also fall in love with Alice when she's with Alice, so it's even less likely.

"It's okay, I've decided not to do it anymore, unless it's just the two of us."

\"Mr. Airy\"

Shino whispered, and Alice and Kyoji approached them together, then gently placed her hand on Shino's head. Alice smiles at Shino, who is a little surprised by her movements, which is almost the same as when she first met Shino and started to check.

"It's a short time, but we're going to be together, Shino. \"

"Yes!"

Alice smiled as Shino replied happily, and after a few seconds she let go of Shiina's head. Kyoji and I both inadvertently noticed that it reminded us of sisters and parent-child communication.

"But what's going on? We were going to just walk around the city in the future, do you have any specific plans? ”

So after getting Shino's consent, Kazuto asked Alice and Kyoji about today's itinerary and destination. In it, when she discovers that her next destination is Odaiba, Alice shouts "Oh! ”。

"Odaiba, right? There are really a lot of fun things to do there, and it's easy to shop.

"Where's Airi-sensei? Is there any resistance to going to Odaiba? \"

\"Neither I nor Kyoji-kun have anything like this, and I don't have a place to go, so I'm annoyed. Well, since that's the case, let's go to Odaiba. \"

"Then please listen!"

Just as Alice was about to take a step, a loud voice suddenly came into her ears, startling everyone present. It was as if the loud sound coming from the microphone and speakers seemed to echo throughout Akihabara, and everyone couldn't help but look for the source. After a few seconds, Kyoji said, "That's it! ”

A simple stage was set up next to the media shop, and equipment such as large speakers and cameras were placed around it. In the center of the stage, a girl with long silver-brown hair, wearing a light brown and white maid outfit and embellished with a heart pattern, is holding a microphone.

Seeing that scene, Kazuto understood the identity of the girl, as well as the identity of the loud voice that he suddenly heard, and the content of this scene.

"Is this a live stream on the streets?"

"It seems like that, but I don't know if the girl in the middle is an idol or not."

After Kazuto and Kyoji spoke in turn, bGm began to play on the loudspeaker, and a maid dressed girl holding a microphone began to sing along. The bGm of anime songs and the singing of maids turn into loud music that reverberates through the concrete forest. Shino said while listening to this song with a slight raising of eyebrows.

"Isn't that weird? There were few spectators, and the sound on the loudspeakers was crackling. I'm not an idol, but I'm not an amateur either. ”

As Shino said, the girl's singing ability itself can be said to be quite good, but the device that resonates with the girl's song is broken, and the girl's singing voice is used by singers who appear on TV shows and music events. Far from us.

There were about 20 people in the audience who listened to the girl's singing, and most of them were just passing by, and they didn't listen to the girl's singing at all. They do almost the same thing as idols and singers, but they are inferior in many other aspects.

"I've been listening to Seven songs lately, but when I hear that amateur voice, I really understand the difference in quality."

"And Ren-kun, this is disrespectful to that girl. She has a beautiful singing voice, and she was meant to work hard to achieve her dreams. \"

"Dreams?"